When ice cubes are placed in water at 45°C, which transfer of energy occurs?

• A. Heat flows from the ice cubes to the water.
• B. Heat flows from the water to the ice cubes.
• C. No energy transfer occurs between the ice cubes and the water.
• D. Chemical energy is transferred from the water to the ice cubes.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the temperature difference between the ice cubes and the water. Ice cubes are at 0°C (or below), and the water is at 45°C, so the water is warmer.
2. Recall the principle that heat energy always flows from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached.
3. Understand that since the water is warmer, heat energy will transfer from the water to the ice cubes, causing the ice to absorb heat and potentially melt.
4. Recognize that the transfer of energy here is heat transfer, not chemical energy transfer, because no chemical reaction is occurring between the water and the ice.
5. Conclude that the correct description of the energy transfer is: heat flows from the water to the ice cubes.